DesignLights Consortium

What is the DesignLights Consortium?

The DesignLights Consortium is a private collaboration of utility companies and energy efficiency organisations located throughout the U.S. The Consortium’s qualified product list (QPL) is intended to provide Consortium members with information and guidance about solid-state lighting products used in commercial applications that are not covered by current U.S. ENERGY STAR product specifications but which are sufficiently energy efficient to reduce energy consumption and contribute to energy savings. Based on specific requests from customers and suppliers, Consortium members can refer to the QPL, and can confidently offer rebates and other financial incentives for the use of listed products.

The DesignLights QPL currently lists nearly 20,000 commercial grade LEDs and luminaires from more than 250 different manufacturers. Listing on the DesignLights Consortium QPL gives LED manufacturers an important marketplace advantage, since electrical utilities and other Consortium members reference the QPL when developing or expanding rebate programs and other incentives designed to accelerate the transition to more energy efficient lighting. These factors make listing on the DesignLights QPL a de facto requirement for manufacturers competing in commercial lighting market.

A single source for testing and certification of all types of lighting products

TÜV SÜD meets all the requirements for testing laboratories that can be used by LED manufacturers to demonstrate compliance with the requirements for DesignLights QPL listing. We are an approved testing laboratory under the U.S. Department of Energy’s LED Lighting Facts programme, and a recognised Testing Laboratory and Certification Body under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR programme. TÜV SÜD is also a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) under the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

TÜV SÜD’s testing and certification services for lighting products

TÜV SÜD offers a comprehensive suite of testing, certification and advisory services on the regulations, standards and voluntary energy efficiency and performance programs applicable to LEDs and all types of lighting products. TÜV SÜD technical experts can also assist in product design and development, quality testing, environmental certification and transport monitoring, and can provide customised services in support of global supply chain activities. The TÜV SÜD blue octagon certification mark is globally recognised as a symbol of product safety.